USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > New Haven > History and antiquities of New Haven, Conn. : from its earliest settlement to the present time, with biographical sketches and statistical information of the public institutions, &c., &c., 3rd ed. > Part 9
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several years in vagabondship; but when he died, or where his carcass was buried, is as yet unknown to me."
That General Goff was for a time concealed in Hart- ford, seems quite probable from the following letter of Sir Edmund Andross to Gov. Leete of Connecticut, still pre- served among the Miscellaneous State Papers, vol. 1 :
Hon'ble S'rs .- Being informed by Deposicon* here taken upon Oath that Coll Goth hath been and is still kept and concealed by Capt. Joseph Bull and his sons in the Towne of Hartford under the name of Mr Cooke the sd Goth and Coll Whaley (who is since dead in yor parts) having been persued as Traitors, that I may not be wanting in my duty, doe hereby giue you the above intimacon, noe wayes doubting of yor loyalty in every respect and remaine Hon'ble Srs. Your affectionate neighbor and humble servant
E. ANDROSS.
New York, May 18th, 1680.
Superscription-
For the Honoble John Leete Esqr Governor and the Assistants of His Maties Colony of Connecticut, att Hartford. These. For his Maties special service. MATTHIAS NICHOLS, Sec'y.
On the receipt of this letter, June 10th, the Governor and Secretary dispatched a special warrant to the Mar- shal and Constables "to make diligent search in the houses, out-houses, and all places therein, for the sayd Coll. Goff, &c." As might have been expected, no per- son, by that time, was found to apprehend, answering the description given.
The evidence is quite clear that General Whalley died at Hadley, and was buried somewhere on, or near the premises of Mr. Russell, the minister of that place. The tradition is, that his remains were afterwards taken up, and interred near those of his companions in arms, Colonel Dixwell, General Goff, and their common friend,
* This deposition was recently discovered among New York Colonial MSS. at Albany, endorsed "The Deposicon of John London of Windsor in Connecticutt Apr. 20. 1678." This deponent certified that he, with Dr. Howard, of Windsor, (who knew Goff in England) went to the house of Capt. Bull, and were well satisfied that he was the person. He also states that Whalley was dead and buried in Hadley, and that the Trade driven by said Bull or his children, in Goods or Merchandize, was on behalf of said Goff; and that Mr. James Richards, of Hart- ford, brought over a cargo for him "about two yeares agoe."
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Governor Jones,* in the rear of the Center Church in New Haven. The tradition also is, that the stones now
1658 EW
HEAD STONE. 2 feet wide and high, 8 inches thick .- Blue dark stone.
1658 EW
* Generals Goff and Whalley (it is said) sailed from England with Gov. Jones, of New Haven, which circumstance probably had some influence in bringing the Regicides to New Haven. Gov. Jones was buried by the side of his father-in-law, Gov. Eaton. Col. Dixwell's grave almost touched that of the governor's, and the monuments said to be those of Goff and Whalley are about twelve feet from the same place.
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remaining, inscribed with the letters E. W., [ for Edward Whalley ] designate the place of interment.
The annexed is a correct copy of each of the E. W. stones. The reader will observe in the cut, that the date on Whalley's head stone may be read 1658, which was about twenty years before his death. The extension, however, of the line, in a direct course beyond the curve of the 5, has the aspect of design for concealment. The inscription upon the foot stone E. W., and the three figures 16-8, are plain and distinct ; but the intermediate figure is obscure. In the date of the foot stone, the 5 is discernible ; the upper line of the 7 is also obvious. It may be read, therefore, 1658 or 1678; and there is little doubt but that the latter was the date intended, as, accord- ing to Goff's letter to his wife, Whalley died about this time.
COL. JOHN DIXWELL was another of King Charles's Judges. He was born in the county of Kent, England. He was a gentleman in good and easy circumstances, be- ing possessed of a manor and other estates in England. Engaging in the civil wars, he became an officer in the army under the Parliament and Protectorate ; was nomi- nated sheriff of the county of Kent, and became member of Parliament for Kent in 1654. At the Restoration, he abdicated his country, in 1660 ; but when he first came to New England is unknown. The first notice we have of him is in Goff's Journal, while the Judges were at Had- ley, wherein it is entered that Colonel Dixwell came to them there February 10th. 1664-5; but ever after they called him Mr. Davids; and afterwards he went by the name of James Davids, Esq., till his death.
The time when Col. Dixwell first came to New Haven is unknown, but is supposed to have been about the year 1670. During the time he resided in New Haven he was known by the name of James Davids. and nothing extraordinary occurred concerning him. From 1674 to 1685, the Church had no settled minister with whom he might associate: The Rev. Nicholas Street, the minister at his first coming here, soon died. For above eleven years, the Church was destitute of a pastor, and supplied by occasional and temporary preaching only, until Mr.
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Pierpont's settlement, in 1685. With him the Colonel entered immediately into an open and unreserved com- munication ; but this was only for the short space of three or four of the last years of his exile. During this short time, however, there was the greatest intimacy between , them, which appears to have been concealed even from the minister's wife ; for tradition says, that Madam Pier- pont, observing their remarkable intimacy, and wonder- ing at it, used to ask him what he saw in that old gentle- man, who was so fond of leading an obscure, unnoticed . life, that they should be so intimate, and take such pleas- ure in being together; for Mr. Dixwell's house being situated on the east corner of College and Grove-streets, and Mr. Pierpont's near the corner of Elm and Temple- streets, and their house lots being contiguous, and corner- ing upon one another, they had beaten a path in walking across their lots to meet and converse together at the fence. In answer to his wife's question, Mr. Pierpont remarked, that the old gentleman was a very learned man, and understood more about religion, and all other sub- jects, than any other person in the place, and that if she knew the value of him, she would not wonder at their in- timacy. Among other traditionary anecdotes concerning him, this is one :
" Sir Edmund Andros came to America, and became Governor of New York in 1675, to 1684, and of Massa- chusetts from 1686 to 1689. In one of his tours through the Colony of Connecticut, about 1686, attending public worship at New Haven, he observed a venerable old gen- tleman at meeting, and, noticing him closely, discerned something singular in him, and suspected him. After meeting, he inquired who that person was, and was told that he was a merchant who resided in town. Sir Ed- mund replied that he knew he was not a merchant, and became particularly inquisitive about him. Probably Col. Dixwell was notified of the inquisitiveness of the stranger concerning his person and character, for the Colonel was not seen at meeting in the afternoon."
In connection with this, another tradition makes mention of a circumstance indicating how obnoxious Sir Edmund was at New Haven, as well as through New England. He
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being at meeting here, and probably on the same Lord's day as the above, the deacon gave out the 52d Psalm to sing, in Sternhold and Hopkins' version, which begins thus :
Why dost thou, tyrant, boast abroad, Thy wicked works to praise ? Dost thou not know there is a God, Whose mercies last always ?
Why dost thy mind yet still devise Such wicked wiles to warp ? Thy tongue untrue, in forging lies, Is like a razor sharp.
Thou dost delight in fraud and guile, In mischief, blood, and wrong; Thy lips have learned the flattering stile, O false, deceitful tongue !
Governor Andros felt it as an intended insult upon him- self, and after meeting resented it as such, and reprehend- ed the deacon for it. But being told that it was the usage of this Church to sing the Psalms in course, he excused the deacon, and let the matter drop. But it is not im- probable, that though this might be the general custom, yet in this instance, a Psalm was selected for Sir Ed- mund s contemplation.
Colonel Dixwell carried on no secular business, but employed his time in reading and walking into the neigh- boring groves and woods adjacent to his house. Mr. Pierpont had a large library, from which, as well as from his own collection, he could be supplied with a variety of books. He often spent his evenings at Mr. Pierpont's, and when they were by themselves, retired to his study, where they indulged themselves with great familiarity and humor, had free and unrestrained conversation upon all matters, whether of religion or politics. But when in company, Mr Pierpont behaved towards Colonel D. with caution and reserve. The Colonel spent much of his re- tirement in reading history, and, as a token of his friend- ship for Mr. Pierpont, he, in his last will, presented him with Raleigh's History of the World.
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After a pilgrimage of twenty-nine years in exile from his native country, and banishment into oblivion from the world, of which seventeen years at least, probably more, were spent in New Haven, (by the name of James Da- vids, E q.,) Colonel Dixwell died in this place.
He and all the other Judges lived and died in the firm expectation of a revolution in England. This had actu- ally taken place the November before his death, but, the news not having arrived, he died ignorant of it, about a month before the seizure of Sir Edmund Andros, at Bos- ton. At his death, he discovered his true character to the people, and owned the name of John Dixwell, but re- quested that no monument should be erected at his grave, giving an account of his person, name, and character, al- ledging as a reason, "lest his enemies might dishonor his ashes," requesting that only a plain stone might be set up at his grave, inscribed with his initials, J. D., Esq., with his age, and time of his death. Accordingly, a plain rough stone was erected at his grave, close by the graves of Governor Eaton and Governor Jones, charged with this inscription, as at first put up and engraved by his friends. The following is a correct copy, both of the shape of the stone, as well as the inscription upon it.
I. D.ESOR
DECEASED
MARCH Y e
18 INY 8 2ª YEAR OF th £
HIS AGE 16889
2} feet high and broad, 5 in. thick :- red stone.
Whilst residing in New Haven, he was twice married,
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and at his death, he left a wife and two children. His will was afterwards exhibited, approved, and recorded in the Probate office.
President Stiles, in his History of the Judges, says : " So late as the last French War, 1760, some British offi- cers, passing through New Haven, and hearing of Dix- well's grave, visited it, and declared, with rancorous and malicious vengeance, that if the British ministry knew it, they would even then cause their bodies to be dug up and vilified. Often have we heard the crown officers aspers- ing and vilifying them ; and some, so late as 1775, visited and treated the graves with marks of indignity too inde- cent to be mentioned." It was especially so during Queen Anne's time, and even that of the Hanoverian family, there has been no time in which this grave has not been threatened by numerous sycophantic crown de- pendents with indignity and ministerial vengeance.
Col. Dixwell's Monument.
The above is a representation of the Dixwell Monu- ment recently erected in the rear of the Center Church, by Mr. Dixwell, of Boston, in memory of his ancestor. The inclosure about the monument is about twelve feet
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square ; the original grave was at its north eastern cor- ner. After a lapse of one hundred and sixty-one years, on the 22d of November, 1849, his remains were disinterred and inclosed within a small box, and placed in the center of the inclosure, and the present monument erected over them. The remains were taken up by permission of the authorities, soon after 5 o'clock in the morning. The color of the earth indicated the exact size of the grave, and the remains were found in a much better state than was expected. Most of the large bones were found en- tire, though the smaller ones had mostly become " resolved to dust." According to the measurement taken, this ex- iled patriot was about 5 feet 7 inches in height, and his head, which was examined by an eminent surgeon pres- ent, indicated, according to the theory of the phrenolo- gists, great energy and decision of character.
The west side of the monument has the following in- scription :
" Here rest the remains of JOHN DIXWELL, Esq., of the Priory of Folkestone, in the county of Kent, England, of a family long promi- nent in Kent and Warwickshire, and himself possessing large es- tates, and much influence in his country ; he espoused the popular cause in the revolution of 1640. Between 1640 and 1660, he was colonel in the army, an active member of four parliaments, thrice in the council of state, and one of the high court which tried and condemned King Charles the First. At the restoration of the mon- archy, he was compelled to leave his country ; and, after a brief residence in Germany, came to New Haven, and here lived in seclu- sion, but enjoying the esteem and friendship of its most worthy citizens, till his death, in 1688-9."
The inscription on the east side.
" JOHN DIXWELL, a zealous patriot, a sincere Christian, an honest man ; he was faithful to duty through good and through evil re- port ; and, having lost fortune, position, and home in the cause of his country, and of human rights, found shelter and sympathy here, among the fathers of New England. His descendants have erected this monument as a tribute of respect to his memory, and as a grateful record of the generous protection extended to him by the early inhabitants of New Haven. Erected A. D. 1849."
On the southern side is the Dixwell coat of arms. On the north side is a copy of the inscription on the ancient monument, which was removed with the remains, and placed within the iron railed inclosure.
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EXTRACTS FROM NEWSPAPERS PREVIOUS TO THE REVOLUTION.
The first Newspaper published in New Haven was the Connecticut Gazette, by J. Parker & Co., in which Dr. Franklin was connected. The earliest number before us, (perhaps the oldest one in existence,) is No. 130, from which it would appear that it was first issued in 1755. At its first appearance, it was only about 14 inches wide, and 9} long, containing two columns to a side. The fol- lowing advertisements, notices, &c., are copied from this paper, and may be matter of curiosity to many, and also in some instances serve to illustrate historical facts.
NEW HAVEN :
Printed by J. PARKER & COMPANY, at the Post Office, near Captain Peck's at the Long Wharf, where this paper may be had at 2s. 6d. Lawful Money, per Quarter, if sent by the special post ; or 1s. 10d. Half Penny, without Postage; the first Quarter to be paid at Entrance. Note. Thirteen Papers go to the Quarter, none to stop but at the end of the Quarter. Saturday, October 1st, 1757.
New Haven, June 16th, 1758.
Next week will be publish'd Proposals for sending by Subscrip- tion a Post to Albany, during the Summer, and for paying the postage of all Letters to the Connecticut Soldiers in the Army. Toward which the Printers of this paper will advance Five Pounds lawful money. This is mentioned now, that Gentlemen may be as expeditious as possible in sending in subscriptions.
New Haven, January 22d, 1761.
His Honour the Governor, having received Dispatches, confirm- ing the accounts of the death of our late most Gracious Sovereign, King George the Second, on the 25th day of October, 1760 :- and other Dispatches also, for proclaiming his present Majesty .- In pursuance thereof, yesterday issued orders for the Militia to appear under arms.
Whereupon (though many of them from considerable distances,) two troops of Horse, and four companies of Foot, with great dis- patch and alertness, were this day before noon, drawn up on the Great Square, before the Town House; on notice whereof, his Honour, the Governor, with the Gentleman of the Council, (on this occasion convened) with many other Gentleman of Character an(
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Distinction, were escorted by Capt. Peck's company of foot, from the Council Chamber to the place of Parade ; where in the audi- ence of a numerous Concourse (the severity of the season notwith- standing) with great alacrity convened.
His Sacred Majesty was proclaimed by reading and proclaiming aloud the following PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS, it hath pleased Almighty God to call in his Mercy our late Sovereign Lord King George the Second, of blessed and glorious memory, by whose decease the Imperial Crown of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, as also the supreme dominion and sovereign right of the Colony of Connecticut in New England, and all other his late Majesty's dominions in America, are solely and rightfully come to the High and Mighty Prince George, Prince of Wales; We therefore the Governor and Company, assisted with numbers of the principal Inhabitants of this Colony, do now, hereby with one full voice and consent of tongue and heart, publish and proclaim, that the high and mighty Prince George, Prince of Wales, is now by the death of our late sovereign, of happy and glorious memory, become our only lawful and rightful Liege, Lord George the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, Defender of the faith, Supreme Lord of the said Colony of Connecticut in New England, and all other his late Majesty's do- minions and Territories in America, to whom we do acknowledge all Faith and constant obedience, with all hearty and humble affec- tion; beseeching God, by whom Kings and Queens do reign, to bless the Royal King George the Third, with long and happy years to reign over us.
Given at the Council Chamber at New Haven, the Twenty-second day of January, in the first year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c. Annoque Domini 1761. GOD SAVE THE KING.
Which proclamation was subscribed by His Honour the Governor, Deputy Governor and the Gentleman of the Council, and many other Gentlemen of a Civil, Military and Ecclesiastical Character, &c. Which was followed by three general Huzzas, and a Royal Salute of 21 Cannon, the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Council, with num- bers of Clergy, and other Gentleman of Distinction, were again escorted to Mr. Beer's ; where an elegant entertainment was provided on the occasion ; and his Majesty's, the Royal Family's, the King of Prussia's, and other loyal healths were drank ; and the Militia, after proper re- freshment, seasonably discharged ; and the whole conducted and con- cluded with great Decency and Order, and great Demonstrations of joy.
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TO BE SOLD, several likely Negro Boys and Girls : arrived from the coast of Africa. SAMUEL WILLIS, at Middletown.
Whereas on last Tuesday evening, a number of persons gathered together near the College, and there, and round the town, fired a great number of guns, to the great disturbance and terror of his Majesty's subjects, and brake the college windows and fences, and several of them had gowns on, with a design to bring a scandal upon the College. These may certily, that I and the Tutors, several times walked among, and near the rioters, and could not see any scholars among them ; but they appeared to be principally, the people of the town with some few strangers.
September 12, 1761.
T. CLAP.
At a Meeting of the President and Fellows of Yale College, July 21, 1762.
Whereas many of the Students of this College have run greatly into debt with the Merchants, Tavern keepers, and others, for unnecessary things, whereby they have involved themselves with their parents in great difficulties.
Voted, That no Undergraduate, Student of this College, be allowed to buy, sell or exchange any thing whatsoever, in New Haven, without the express direction of their respective parents or guardians of the scholars to appoint some discreet person in New Haven to have the overnight of the expences of their children : And that all the money they expend here pass through their hands. And the law of College respecting scholars debts shall be understood of such debts only as are contracted with the consent of their respective parents, Guardians, Overseers, or the Authority of College as aforesaid.
New Haven, March 5, 1762.
Last Saturday afternoon, David Slusher and James Daley were cropt, branded with the letter B, on their foreheads, and received, each of them, Fifteen Stripes on their naked Bodies, pursuant to their sentences, for, some time since, breaking open and robbing the shop of Mr. Philo Mills, of Derby.
A Likely Negro Wench and Child to be sold .- Inquire of the Printer.
To be sold by the subscriber, of Branford, a likely Negro Wench, 18 years of age, is acquainted with all sorts of House Work; is sold for no fault June 15 1763.
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New Haven, July 4, 1763.
We the subscribers, Selectmen of the town of New Haven, do hereby give notice to the Inhabitants of said town, that there will be a Vendue on the 2d Monday of August next, at the State House in said town, at four of the Clock in the afternoon, where those persons which are maintained by the Town will be set up, and those persons who will keep them at the cheapest rate may have them. Also, a number of Children will be bound out, until they are either 14 or 21 years of age, if any persons appear to take them.
WILLIAM GRENOUGH,
AMOS HITCHCOCK, Selectmen.
JOHN MIX, THOMAS HOWELL.
A year is past since the Printer of this paper published propo- sals for reviving the Connecticut Gazette. "Tls needless to mention the reasons why it did not appear sooner. He returns thanks to all those who favored him at that time, and hopes they are yet willing to. try how far he is able to give them satisfaction. A sample of it is now sent abroad, in order to collect a sufficient number of Subscribers barely to pay the charge of carrying it on. When such a number ap- pears,
It shall be printed weekly, and delivered to subscribers in town and country, at the rate of two-pence for each paper, which is Eight Shil- lings and Eight Pence for one year. And no addition shall be made to the price when the Stamp Act takes effect, if it is then encouraged so as to be afforded at that rate.
Subscribers are not desired to engage for any particular time, so that they can stop it when they please,
A special post is appointed to carry it out of the common Post- Roads.
Advertisements shall be printed at a moderate Price, according to their length.
All kinds of Provision, Fire-Wood, and other suitable Country Pro- duce will be taken as pay, of those who cannot spare money, if deliv- ered at the Printer's Dwelling House, or at any other place which may accidentally suit him.
The printer hereby invites the benevolent of all parties to send him an account of whatever novelties they think may be useful to their Countrymen The shortest hints on such subjects, however written. will be gratefully received and faithfully communicated to the Public if convenient.
Besides the help he hopes to receive from different Correspondents in this colony and elsewhere, the Printer has sent for 3 sorts of Eng- lish Magazines, the Monthly Review of New Books, and one of the best London Newspapers ; these, together with American Intelligence,
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from Nova Scotia to Georgia, inclusive, and also from Canada, cannot fail to furnish him with a constant stock of momentous materials and fresh advices to fill this Gazette.
BENJAMIN MECOM, At the Post Office, New Haven.
July 5, 1765.
Just Imported from Dublin in the Brig Darby.
A parcel of Irish Servants, both Men and Women, and to be sold cheap, by Israel Boardman, at Stamford.
5th January, 1764.
TO THE GOOD PEOPLE OF CONNECTICUT.
When I undertook the office of Distributor of Stamps for this colony, I meant a service to you, and really thought you would have viewed it in that light when you come to understand the nature of the stamp act and that of the office ; but since it gives you so much uneasiness, you may be assured, it I find (after the act takes place, which is the first of November ) that you shall not incline to purchase or make use of any stampt Paper, I shall not force if upon you, nor think it worth my while to trouble you or myself with any exercise of my office ; but if, by that time, I shall find you generally in much need of stampt pa- per, and very anxious to obtain it, I shall hope you will be willing to receive it of me, (if I shall happen to have any,) at least until another person more agreeable to you can be appointed in my room.
I cannot but wish you would think more how to get rid of the stamp act than of the Officers who are to supply you with the Paper, and that you had learnt more of the nature of my Office, before you had under- taken to be so very angry at it. I am yours, &c.,
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